Prayer

Sunday was wonderful ... thanks to the Spirit for being with those who prepared and instructed us with what He would have us to learn for our happiness and strength.  

Rebekah H. shared this poem about prayer that Joy and I loved and she was gracious to give us this copy of it...

To say my prayer and not to pray
Unless I  mean the words I say
Unless I think to whom I speak
And with my heart His favor seek
Then let me, when I come to pray
Not only mean the words I say
But let me strive with earnest care
To have my heart go with my prayer. 

I am always looking for ways to improve my prayers, as we have been commanded to 'pray always' and I want the connection to be good and real. 
I often recall when Mike J. gave a talk about prayer and he said that the quality of the connection was much improved when he ended his prayers with "In the name of Jesus Christ"....and that at bedtime he would be talking with the Lord about the things on his mind and would sometimes drift into sleep before this important aspect of the Savior had been stated. 
I also do this ALL the time... and have since tried very much to always include Jesus in my prayers and have been pleased with the results.

Joy and I shared these thoughts with John when we got home yesterday... and everyone (well, not so much the 4 year old......) paused and gave a bit more thought to the prayer process last night as we blessed the dinner and had family prayer before bed. 
Thanks to Rebekah H. and Mike J. for sharing and teaching us.... hugs and a handshake..:)